Doctors wanted U-turn on benefits for terminally ill, says minister

MSPs will vote this week on creating a new social security agency and on Scottish changes to welfare benefitsJeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Scotland’s social security minister has defended her U-turn on benefits for terminally ill patients, saying she responded to medical professionals’ concerns.

MSPs will vote this week on creating a new social security agency and specific Scottish changes to welfare benefits.

The Scottish government intended to limit benefits paid to the terminally ill so only those with six months to live or less could qualify. However, after a fierce reaction from the medical profession, which culminated in a letter to The Times from 50 specialists, ministers decided to change the policy.

Instead, this Wednesday MSPs will vote on an amendment to allow clinicians to decide on access to benefits for the terminally ill, with no time limit.

Writing in The Times today, Jeane Freeman said she…

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